Childhood Chronicles: C02

02: Deskmate

This novel was posted on cntranslationss [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{"Then this is over."}
The fourth period soon arrived, and the next class scheduled was Physical Education. Everyone else had long put away their things and slowly made their way to the playground. But Ye Cheng noticed Gu Shaofan was putting away his things in a manner that was neither slow nor in a rush and naturally urged the other, "Come on, let's go."

"Then this is over."

_{But Tao Lu only clicked his tongue in response before continuing, "You don't believe me, but I'm pretty sure the entire school knows about it. I'm telling you, you will never, ever see his dad come pick him up.}That sentence of his had no lead-out, but Ye Cheng was still able to immediately understand it. Sucking his teeth for a good while, Ye Cheng then said in awe, "Geez, no wonder my dad wanted to squeeze me into this place. It even has a gymnasium! What kind of five-star treatment is this?!"

But Tao Lu only clicked his tongue in response before continuing, "You don't believe me, but I'm pretty sure the entire school knows about it. I'm telling you, you will never, ever see his dad come pick him up. It's always some 'underling' dude wearing shades and a Western-style suit. You're new here, so do you understand now? You seriously got dealt a bad hand, you know? Like, how can you end up sitting next to him of all things?" After saying this, Tao Lu hugged himself and shivered. "Just sitting in front of him alone makes my heart tremble. You poor guy."

_{Gu Shaofan did not move, however. His expression was still unchanged, except for his brows, which revealed a faint wrinkle. It was not that he was unhappy at being disturbed, but more of him honestly having no idea what was currently happening.}
This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.

Gu Shaofan did not move, however. His expression was still unchanged, except for his brows, which revealed a faint wrinkle. It was not that he was unhappy at being disturbed, but more of him honestly having no idea what was currently happening.

_{In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."}With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"

In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."

"The next class is PE, right?" Ye Cheng also scrunched his face up in confusion, thinking he should've remembered the timetable correctly, and students were leaving the classroom.

_{It was as though a message was being carried from one to the other, as that ball made its journey to and fro without end.}
Looking at the watch on his wrist, Ye Cheng saw that there were only two minutes left before the next class began, so he couldn't help but urge Gu Shaofan once more, "We gotta go! The class is starting!"

It was as though a message was being carried from one to the other, as that ball made its journey to and fro without end.

_{After having everyone run a couple of laps around the gym to warm up, the PE teacher then chose Tao Lu to come over so he could demonstrate a pass.}This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.

After having everyone run a couple of laps around the gym to warm up, the PE teacher then chose Tao Lu to come over so he could demonstrate a pass.

_{Looking at the watch on his wrist, Ye Cheng saw that there were only two minutes left before the next class began, so he couldn't help but urge Gu Shaofan once more, "We gotta go! The class is starting!"}Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."

Looking at the watch on his wrist, Ye Cheng saw that there were only two minutes left before the next class began, so he couldn't help but urge Gu Shaofan once more, "We gotta go! The class is starting!"

Gu Shaofan nodded, but Ye Cheng was standing a little too far and had not used enough strength. So when the ball was tossed, it went straight for Gu Shaofan's crotch, and when he bent in an attempt to catch it, he missed, allowing the ball to bounce merrily as it went to the place behind them.

But this feeling was not the same for Gu Shaofan. He was not someone fond of playing around with others. But Ye Cheng could no longer stand the sight of it. In his imagination, he saw Gu Shao's mind currently filled with gloom and loneliness! He even imagined a voiceover playing as he looked at Gu Shaofan, saying: This lonely boy, blah blah blah, something, something...

The fourth period soon arrived, and the next class scheduled was Physical Education. Everyone else had long put away their things and slowly made their way to the playground. But Ye Cheng noticed Gu Shaofan was putting away his things in a manner that was neither slow nor in a rush and naturally urged the other, "Come on, let's go."

_{The left-hanging Ye Cheng scratched his nose and thought to himself how strange that guy's character seemed to be. {If he was hard to get close to, then why would he lend me his book without any complaints? And on top of that, why would he have helped me? But if he was easy to get close to, then why does he seem so passive?}}"Good." The PE teacher clapped, making everyone turn their attention back on him. "Now go find a partner to practice with, and if anyone has a part they didn't understand, just come ask me."

The left-hanging Ye Cheng scratched his nose and thought to himself how strange that guy's character seemed to be. If he was hard to get close to, then why would he lend me his book without any complaints? And on top of that, why would he have helped me? But if he was easy to get close to, then why does he seem so passive?

_{The fourth period soon arrived, and the next class scheduled was Physical Education. Everyone else had long put away their things and slowly made their way to the playground. But Ye Cheng noticed Gu Shaofan was putting away his things in a manner that was neither slow nor in a rush and naturally urged the other, "Come on, let's go."}The fourth period soon arrived, and the next class scheduled was Physical Education. Everyone else had long put away their things and slowly made their way to the playground. But Ye Cheng noticed Gu Shaofan was putting away his things in a manner that was neither slow nor in a rush and naturally urged the other, "Come on, let's go."

_{This act of his made Ye Cheng suddenly feel embarrassed, so after scratching his chin, he walked right over to take the ball from Gu Shaofan's hands and then walked right back to his original place. "I'll pass it." Ye Cheng then thought back to the main points of the movement given by the teacher and felt a bit nervous for some reason.}
This time, Gu Shaofan stood up and walked to the door of the class, and behind him, Ye Cheng again began blabbering away. "Is the PE class going to be on the sports grounds next to the greenway? Just as I thought, this school's playing field and stuff are way, way better than the ones at my old school. There's a standard eight-hundred-metre track and the greens at the centre; from what I could see, it looks like it's probably real grass! It is real grass, right?"

This act of his made Ye Cheng suddenly feel embarrassed, so after scratching his chin, he walked right over to take the ball from Gu Shaofan's hands and then walked right back to his original place. "I'll pass it." Ye Cheng then thought back to the main points of the movement given by the teacher and felt a bit nervous for some reason.

_{He lifted the ball so all the students could see his hands more clearly, then returned the ball to its original position over his chest. "When you pass the ball, take a step forward, rotate your fingers downwards a bit, and push upwards; then, as you throw, release your fingers as you push up and out."}Ye Cheng didn't spread out; his gaze instead focused on the person standing somewhat apart from the other groups in the distance, Gu Shaofan. In that boy's hand was a basketball, and there was obviously no one who wanted to team up with him. He stood there alone, his head pointed downward, staring at the ball in his hands, only bouncing it a couple of times every now and then. He was no more than a few metres away from the other group of kids, but to Ye Cheng, such a distance seemed incredibly far away, and even more so, it seemed lonely.

He lifted the ball so all the students could see his hands more clearly, then returned the ball to its original position over his chest. "When you pass the ball, take a step forward, rotate your fingers downwards a bit, and push upwards; then, as you throw, release your fingers as you push up and out."

"In basketball, there are two commonly used types of passes. This one is called the chest pass." The teacher then held the ball with both hands to his chest, explaining the pass as he moved. "Stand with both your feet apart, lift your heads, and spread all your fingers on the ball."

_{"Hey, you can just come and practice with us, alright?" Tao Lu then lifted his chin to point as he spoke. "I'll pass the ball to Liu Qin; he'll pass it to you; and you'll pass it back to me, OK?"}
That sentence of his had no lead-out, but Ye Cheng was still able to immediately understand it. Sucking his teeth for a good while, Ye Cheng then said in awe, "Geez, no wonder my dad wanted to squeeze me into this place. It even has a gymnasium! What kind of five-star treatment is this?!"

"Hey, you can just come and practice with us, alright?" Tao Lu then lifted his chin to point as he spoke. "I'll pass the ball to Liu Qin; he'll pass it to you; and you'll pass it back to me, OK?"

Tao Lu scrunched up his lips and pointed. From the angle where they stood, only the top of Gu Shaofan's was visible, and it wasn't very clear either, but it was still enough for Ye Cheng to understand who Tao Lu was referring to. "Gu Shaofan! That guy's family are gangsters! So if you get close to him, there might come a day when he'll sell you! Freaking gangsters! Killers!"

_{In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"}02: Deskmate

In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"

_{"Huh?" Ye Cheng was confused. What are you talking about? 'Him' who? And what's wrong with teaming up?}
The gymnasium was on the opposite side of the sports grounds, through the greenway. The reason the class was not held on the sports grounds was because the students of Fifth Year Class C have recently been scheduled to play basketball.

"Huh?" Ye Cheng was confused. What are you talking about? 'Him' who? And what's wrong with teaming up?

_{This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.}It was as though a message was being carried from one to the other, as that ball made its journey to and fro without end.

This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.

_{Ye Cheng then pondered for a bit before asking, "Has Gu Shaofan ever hit anyone?"}
It was called basketball, but it was just lectures about dribbling. Dribbling while running and three-step layups were considered very high-level skills. After all, no one was expecting to train a bunch of kids green behind the ears like elite athletes.

Ye Cheng then pondered for a bit before asking, "Has Gu Shaofan ever hit anyone?"

_{"In basketball, there are two commonly used types of passes. This one is called the chest pass." The teacher then held the ball with both hands to his chest, explaining the pass as he moved. "Stand with both your feet apart, lift your heads, and spread all your fingers on the ball."}

Ye Cheng then pondered for a bit before asking, "Has Gu Shaofan ever hit anyone?"

_{But Tao Lu only clicked his tongue in response before continuing, "You don't believe me, but I'm pretty sure the entire school knows about it. I'm telling you, you will never, ever see his dad come pick him up.} 古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).

_{{If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.}}"Good." The PE teacher clapped, making everyone turn their attention back on him. "Now go find a partner to practice with, and if anyone has a part they didn't understand, just come ask me."

If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.

When Ye Cheng and company arrived, there were already a lot of people waiting at the entrance of the gymnasium. Ye Cheng's eyes were sharp, so upon first glance, he had spotted the not-short-at-all Tao Lu standing at the outermost side of the last row. At the same time, Tao Lu also saw Ye Cheng, but he looked hesitant to wave the other boy over.

"Anybody found yapping away from now on will give me ten laps around the sports ground!" The loud bellow of the Physical Education teacher shocked the entire crowd into fright. So after this, both Ye Cheng and Tao Lu heroically sealed their lips.

_{Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.}"Are you okay?" This was also the first time he heard Gu Shaofan speak in such a voice. The comparison this one had to that was as far apart as night and day; even the sense of desolation within it felt a bit more weighted. "I'm sorry."

Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.

_{Thinking of this made him embarrassed for so long, Gu Shaofan had already come back and stood facing him when he came to his senses. Ye Cheng trained all his focus on the ball this time around, and Gu Shaofan's movements were almost the same as the teacher's. The ball flew beautifully with an almost perfect curve and went straight for Ye Cheng's chest.}At the teacher's words, the students began moving about. Some went to get a basketball from the basket, while others waited for someone to come team up with them. Most of the children found their friends, having a tacit understanding with one another. Then, after a short while, pair after pair began practicing. Ye Cheng was about to walk over to Gu Shaofan, but Tao Lu pulled him back quietly.

Thinking of this made him embarrassed for so long, Gu Shaofan had already come back and stood facing him when he came to his senses. Ye Cheng trained all his focus on the ball this time around, and Gu Shaofan's movements were almost the same as the teacher's. The ball flew beautifully with an almost perfect curve and went straight for Ye Cheng's chest.

"Let's go stand over there." Ye Cheng said this to Gu Shaofan, but the other boy paid him no mind and made his way directly to the tail end of the group with an expressionless face where he stuck out on his own.

_{"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."}This is so heartbreaking! Ye Cheng's worst fear was that no one would talk to him.

"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{It was called basketball, but it was just lectures about dribbling. Dribbling while running and three-step layups were considered very high-level skills. After all, no one was expecting to train a bunch of kids green behind the ears like elite athletes.}Hearing this, Ye Cheng unexpectedly flashed a grin. It was exactly as he had thought. Gu Shaofan wasn't hard to get along with. So as classmates and friends, there was potential for them to have a great relationship.

It was called basketball, but it was just lectures about dribbling. Dribbling while running and three-step layups were considered very high-level skills. After all, no one was expecting to train a bunch of kids green behind the ears like elite athletes.

In this aspect, it must be said that Ye Cheng was taught quite well by his parents. Most notably, Ye Cheng's mother, who, despite not having read a large number of books, had her own special understanding of life. She was intelligent and down to earth, clever, and knew how to enjoy life. Despite her only having nine years with her son, the greater part of Ye Cheng's character was influenced by her the most.

_{"Has he ever tried to blackmail anyone?"}

"Has he ever tried to blackmail anyone?"

_{Gu Shaofan grunted a yes in return, then, in a rare moment, opened his mouth to explain, "In the gym."}"Are you okay?" This was also the first time he heard Gu Shaofan speak in such a voice. The comparison this one had to that was as far apart as night and day; even the sense of desolation within it felt a bit more weighted. "I'm sorry."

Gu Shaofan grunted a yes in return, then, in a rare moment, opened his mouth to explain, "In the gym."

_{The gymnasium was on the opposite side of the sports grounds, through the greenway. The reason the class was not held on the sports grounds was because the students of Fifth Year Class C have recently been scheduled to play basketball.}Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.

The gymnasium was on the opposite side of the sports grounds, through the greenway. The reason the class was not held on the sports grounds was because the students of Fifth Year Class C have recently been scheduled to play basketball.

_{He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"}The fourth period soon arrived, and the next class scheduled was Physical Education. Everyone else had long put away their things and slowly made their way to the playground. But Ye Cheng noticed Gu Shaofan was putting away his things in a manner that was neither slow nor in a rush and naturally urged the other, "Come on, let's go."

He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

_{It's easy to follow the crowd and believe the rumours, but doing the opposite does require a lot of courage.}
The left-hanging Ye Cheng scratched his nose and thought to himself how strange that guy's character seemed to be. If he was hard to get close to, then why would he lend me his book without any complaints? And on top of that, why would he have helped me? But if he was easy to get close to, then why does he seem so passive?

It's easy to follow the crowd and believe the rumours, but doing the opposite does require a lot of courage.

Hearing this, Ye Cheng unexpectedly flashed a grin. It was exactly as he had thought. Gu Shaofan wasn't hard to get along with. So as classmates and friends, there was potential for them to have a great relationship.

_{Tao Lu said 'OK' so many times that it would make a person believe he was speaking English.}
Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with him?!"

Tao Lu said 'OK' so many times that it would make a person believe he was speaking English.

_{02: Deskmate}This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.

02: Deskmate

_{古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).}Sending a wink over to Tao Lu, he indicated he was about to pass the ball. "The receiver should also hold themselves in this position." As his voice fell, the ball was thrown towards Tao Lu with force in the blink of an eye before landing firmly in Tao Lu's waiting hands.

古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).

_{Ye Cheng didn't spread out; his gaze instead focused on the person standing somewhat apart from the other groups in the distance, Gu Shaofan. In that boy's hand was a basketball, and there was obviously no one who wanted to team up with him.}
"Huh?" Ye Cheng was confused. What are you talking about? 'Him' who? And what's wrong with teaming up?

Ye Cheng didn't spread out; his gaze instead focused on the person standing somewhat apart from the other groups in the distance, Gu Shaofan. In that boy's hand was a basketball, and there was obviously no one who wanted to team up with him. He stood there alone, his head pointed downward, staring at the ball in his hands, only bouncing it a couple of times every now and then. He was no more than a few metres away from the other group of kids, but to Ye Cheng, such a distance seemed incredibly far away, and even more so, it seemed lonely.

_{古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).}

古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).

_{It was obviously only nothing but speculation, but in the young mind of a primary school-aged child, such rumours were enough of a reason for them to avoid another child. The way children thought was always direct, after all, and only capable of using the logic of simple substitution. So if the influence of adults is added to this, a situation like the one present is not at all impossible.}"In basketball, there are two commonly used types of passes. This one is called the chest pass." The teacher then held the ball with both hands to his chest, explaining the pass as he moved. "Stand with both your feet apart, lift your heads, and spread all your fingers on the ball."

It was obviously only nothing but speculation, but in the young mind of a primary school-aged child, such rumours were enough of a reason for them to avoid another child. The way children thought was always direct, after all, and only capable of using the logic of simple substitution. So if the influence of adults is added to this, a situation like the one present is not at all impossible.

_{In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"}
In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous^[1], haven't you?"

In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"

Sending a wink over to Tao Lu, he indicated he was about to pass the ball. "The receiver should also hold themselves in this position." As his voice fell, the ball was thrown towards Tao Lu with force in the blink of an eye before landing firmly in Tao Lu's waiting hands.

As a result, with his heart overflowing with a river of sympathy, Ye Cheng declared, "You know what? Forget it! You two can team up on your own, so I'm going to join Gu Shaofan."

_{{...why does he resemble a dog so much right now?}}Gu Shaofan only realised he had said those two words after saying them; it left him stunned for a moment, but he then quickly added, "I have a bit of a heavy hand."

...why does he resemble a dog so much right now?

_{The fourth period soon arrived, and the next class scheduled was Physical Education. Everyone else had long put away their things and slowly made their way to the playground. But Ye Cheng noticed Gu Shaofan was putting away his things in a manner that was neither slow nor in a rush and naturally urged the other, "Come on, let's go."}Looking at the watch on his wrist, Ye Cheng saw that there were only two minutes left before the next class began, so he couldn't help but urge Gu Shaofan once more, "We gotta go! The class is starting!"

_{After having everyone run a couple of laps around the gym to warm up, the PE teacher then chose Tao Lu to come over so he could demonstrate a pass.}
But Tao Lu only clicked his tongue in response before continuing, "You don't believe me, but I'm pretty sure the entire school knows about it. I'm telling you, you will never, ever see his dad come pick him up. It's always some 'underling' dude wearing shades and a Western-style suit. You're new here, so do you understand now? You seriously got dealt a bad hand, you know? Like, how can you end up sitting next to him of all things?" After saying this, Tao Lu hugged himself and shivered. "Just sitting in front of him alone makes my heart tremble. You poor guy."

After having everyone run a couple of laps around the gym to warm up, the PE teacher then chose Tao Lu to come over so he could demonstrate a pass.

_{"Anybody found yapping away from now on will give me ten laps around the sports ground!" The loud bellow of the Physical Education teacher shocked the entire crowd into fright. So after this, both Ye Cheng and Tao Lu heroically sealed their lips.}After having everyone run a couple of laps around the gym to warm up, the PE teacher then chose Tao Lu to come over so he could demonstrate a pass.

_{{This is so heartbreaking!} Ye Cheng's worst fear was that no one would talk to him.}If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.

This is so heartbreaking! Ye Cheng's worst fear was that no one would talk to him.

_{{If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.}}

If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.

_{He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"}
With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"

He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

_{Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."}"Are you okay?" This was also the first time he heard Gu Shaofan speak in such a voice. The comparison this one had to that was as far apart as night and day; even the sense of desolation within it felt a bit more weighted. "I'm sorry."

Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."

_{In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."}

In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."

_{02: Deskmate}
If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.

02: Deskmate

_{Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."}"Um... I don't think so."

Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."

_{It was as though a message was being carried from one to the other, as that ball made its journey to and fro without end.}This act of his made Ye Cheng suddenly feel embarrassed, so after scratching his chin, he walked right over to take the ball from Gu Shaofan's hands and then walked right back to his original place. "I'll pass it." Ye Cheng then thought back to the main points of the movement given by the teacher and felt a bit nervous for some reason.

It was as though a message was being carried from one to the other, as that ball made its journey to and fro without end.

_"Thud!"

"Thud!"

_{He had only said that sentence as a joke, so he never expected Gu Shaofan to stride over with his lips pursed and his little kid forehead creased into prominent folds. At such a sight, Ye Cheng blinked his eyes, finding such a scene quite amusing.}
Ye Cheng then pondered for a bit before asking, "Has Gu Shaofan ever hit anyone?"

He had only said that sentence as a joke, so he never expected Gu Shaofan to stride over with his lips pursed and his little kid forehead creased into prominent folds. At such a sight, Ye Cheng blinked his eyes, finding such a scene quite amusing.

_{"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."}Sending a wink over to Tao Lu, he indicated he was about to pass the ball. "The receiver should also hold themselves in this position." As his voice fell, the ball was thrown towards Tao Lu with force in the blink of an eye before landing firmly in Tao Lu's waiting hands.

"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"} 古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).

With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"

_{This time, Gu Shaofan stood up and walked to the door of the class, and behind him, Ye Cheng again began blabbering away. "Is the PE class going to be on the sports grounds next to the greenway? Just as I thought, this school's playing field and stuff are way, way better than the ones at my old school.}
"Um... I don't think so."

This time, Gu Shaofan stood up and walked to the door of the class, and behind him, Ye Cheng again began blabbering away. "Is the PE class going to be on the sports grounds next to the greenway? Just as I thought, this school's playing field and stuff are way, way better than the ones at my old school. There's a standard eight-hundred-metre track and the greens at the centre; from what I could see, it looks like it's probably real grass! It is real grass, right?"

_{"The next class is PE, right?" Ye Cheng also scrunched his face up in confusion, thinking he should've remembered the timetable correctly, and students were leaving the classroom.}Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.

"The next class is PE, right?" Ye Cheng also scrunched his face up in confusion, thinking he should've remembered the timetable correctly, and students were leaving the classroom.

In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.

_{Tao Lu's face twisted into an expression that seemed to ask, "Are you insane?" and Liu Qin said nothing. After walking away, Ye Cheng looked back at Tao Lu and gave his thanks. {In any case, Tao Lu was a nice guy.}}N/A

Tao Lu's face twisted into an expression that seemed to ask, "Are you insane?" and Liu Qin said nothing. After walking away, Ye Cheng looked back at Tao Lu and gave his thanks. In any case, Tao Lu was a nice guy.

_{The place where Gu Shaofan was standing was not far away, and Ye Cheng doing some warm-up stretches with such big movements was enough to give the other boy no choice but to pay attention to him. Seeing Gu Shaofan looking his way, Ye Cheng spread his feet apart slightly and readied himself to catch the ball. "Throw it here."}
Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."

The place where Gu Shaofan was standing was not far away, and Ye Cheng doing some warm-up stretches with such big movements was enough to give the other boy no choice but to pay attention to him. Seeing Gu Shaofan looking his way, Ye Cheng spread his feet apart slightly and readied himself to catch the ball. "Throw it here."

_{In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.}In this aspect, it must be said that Ye Cheng was taught quite well by his parents. Most notably, Ye Cheng's mother, who, despite not having read a large number of books, had her own special understanding of life. She was intelligent and down to earth, clever, and knew how to enjoy life. Despite her only having nine years with her son, the greater part of Ye Cheng's character was influenced by her the most.

In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.

_{It was obviously only nothing but speculation, but in the young mind of a primary school-aged child, such rumours were enough of a reason for them to avoid another child. The way children thought was always direct, after all, and only capable of using the logic of simple substitution. So if the influence of adults is added to this, a situation like the one present is not at all impossible.}This act of his made Ye Cheng suddenly feel embarrassed, so after scratching his chin, he walked right over to take the ball from Gu Shaofan's hands and then walked right back to his original place. "I'll pass it." Ye Cheng then thought back to the main points of the movement given by the teacher and felt a bit nervous for some reason.

_{"Hey, you can just come and practice with us, alright?" Tao Lu then lifted his chin to point as he spoke. "I'll pass the ball to Liu Qin; he'll pass it to you; and you'll pass it back to me, OK?"}That sentence of his had no lead-out, but Ye Cheng was still able to immediately understand it. Sucking his teeth for a good while, Ye Cheng then said in awe, "Geez, no wonder my dad wanted to squeeze me into this place. It even has a gymnasium! What kind of five-star treatment is this?!"

"Hey, you can just come and practice with us, alright?" Tao Lu then lifted his chin to point as he spoke. "I'll pass the ball to Liu Qin; he'll pass it to you; and you'll pass it back to me, OK?"

In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.

_{The only thing Ye Cheng could feel in his chest was pain. That pass was so strong that he couldn't catch the ball with just his hands, so he had to hug the ball to his chest. Ye Cheng smiled with a grimace, the little dimple on the left side of his cheek twitching. "Are you trying to pass the ball to me, or are you trying to use it to crush me?"}"In basketball, there are two commonly used types of passes. This one is called the chest pass." The teacher then held the ball with both hands to his chest, explaining the pass as he moved. "Stand with both your feet apart, lift your heads, and spread all your fingers on the ball."

The only thing Ye Cheng could feel in his chest was pain. That pass was so strong that he couldn't catch the ball with just his hands, so he had to hug the ball to his chest. Ye Cheng smiled with a grimace, the little dimple on the left side of his cheek twitching. "Are you trying to pass the ball to me, or are you trying to use it to crush me?"

_{So at the very least, Ye Cheng knew not to readily believe the false rumours circulating that harmed someone.}

So at the very least, Ye Cheng knew not to readily believe the false rumours circulating that harmed someone.

_{Tao Lu scrunched up his lips and pointed. From the angle where they stood, only the top of Gu Shaofan's was visible, and it wasn't very clear either, but it was still enough for Ye Cheng to understand who Tao Lu was referring to.}
"Anybody found yapping away from now on will give me ten laps around the sports ground!" The loud bellow of the Physical Education teacher shocked the entire crowd into fright. So after this, both Ye Cheng and Tao Lu heroically sealed their lips.

_{...why does he resemble a dog so much right now?}

...why does he resemble a dog so much right now?

_{Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with {him}?!"}With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"

Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with him?!"

After having everyone run a couple of laps around the gym to warm up, the PE teacher then chose Tao Lu to come over so he could demonstrate a pass.

_{Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."}

Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."

_{The gymnasium was on the opposite side of the sports grounds, through the greenway. The reason the class was not held on the sports grounds was because the students of Fifth Year Class C have recently been scheduled to play basketball.}
"In basketball, there are two commonly used types of passes. This one is called the chest pass." The teacher then held the ball with both hands to his chest, explaining the pass as he moved. "Stand with both your feet apart, lift your heads, and spread all your fingers on the ball."

_{He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"}Gu Shaofan did not move, however. His expression was still unchanged, except for his brows, which revealed a faint wrinkle. It was not that he was unhappy at being disturbed, but more of him honestly having no idea what was currently happening.

He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

_{"How is that freezing out?" Tao Lu looked at Ye Cheng contemptuously. "Gangsters are bad guys, aren't they?"}"How is that freezing out?" Tao Lu looked at Ye Cheng contemptuously. "Gangsters are bad guys, aren't they?"

"How is that freezing out?" Tao Lu looked at Ye Cheng contemptuously. "Gangsters are bad guys, aren't they?"

_{{If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.}}In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."

If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.

_{When Ye Cheng and company arrived, there were already a lot of people waiting at the entrance of the gymnasium. Ye Cheng's eyes were sharp, so upon first glance, he had spotted the not-short-at-all Tao Lu standing at the outermost side of the last row. At the same time, Tao Lu also saw Ye Cheng, but he looked hesitant to wave the other boy over.}
He lifted the ball so all the students could see his hands more clearly, then returned the ball to its original position over his chest. "When you pass the ball, take a step forward, rotate your fingers downwards a bit, and push upwards; then, as you throw, release your fingers as you push up and out."

_{"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."}This act of his made Ye Cheng suddenly feel embarrassed, so after scratching his chin, he walked right over to take the ball from Gu Shaofan's hands and then walked right back to his original place. "I'll pass it." Ye Cheng then thought back to the main points of the movement given by the teacher and felt a bit nervous for some reason.

"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{"Hey, you can just come and practice with us, alright?" Tao Lu then lifted his chin to point as he spoke. "I'll pass the ball to Liu Qin; he'll pass it to you; and you'll pass it back to me, OK?"}The place where Gu Shaofan was standing was not far away, and Ye Cheng doing some warm-up stretches with such big movements was enough to give the other boy no choice but to pay attention to him. Seeing Gu Shaofan looking his way, Ye Cheng spread his feet apart slightly and readied himself to catch the ball. "Throw it here."

"Hey, you can just come and practice with us, alright?" Tao Lu then lifted his chin to point as he spoke. "I'll pass the ball to Liu Qin; he'll pass it to you; and you'll pass it back to me, OK?"

_{This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.}
Sending a wink over to Tao Lu, he indicated he was about to pass the ball. "The receiver should also hold themselves in this position." As his voice fell, the ball was thrown towards Tao Lu with force in the blink of an eye before landing firmly in Tao Lu's waiting hands.

This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.

_{Hearing this, Ye Cheng unexpectedly flashed a grin. It was exactly as he had thought. Gu Shaofan wasn't hard to get along with. So as classmates and friends, there was potential for them to have a great relationship.}It's easy to follow the crowd and believe the rumours, but doing the opposite does require a lot of courage.

_{This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.}Ye Cheng then pondered for a bit before asking, "Has Gu Shaofan ever hit anyone?"

This resulted in Gu Shaofan looking at Ye Cheng, his expression clearly a bit confused.

_{This is so heartbreaking! Ye Cheng's worst fear was that no one would talk to him.}
"Good." The PE teacher clapped, making everyone turn their attention back on him. "Now go find a partner to practice with, and if anyone has a part they didn't understand, just come ask me."

This is so heartbreaking! Ye Cheng's worst fear was that no one would talk to him.

_{In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.}"In basketball, there are two commonly used types of passes. This one is called the chest pass." The teacher then held the ball with both hands to his chest, explaining the pass as he moved. "Stand with both your feet apart, lift your heads, and spread all your fingers on the ball."

In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.

_{After having everyone run a couple of laps around the gym to warm up, the PE teacher then chose Tao Lu to come over so he could demonstrate a pass.}"The next class is PE, right?" Ye Cheng also scrunched his face up in confusion, thinking he should've remembered the timetable correctly, and students were leaving the classroom.

After having everyone run a couple of laps around the gym to warm up, the PE teacher then chose Tao Lu to come over so he could demonstrate a pass.

_{Gu Shaofan grunted a yes in return, then, in a rare moment, opened his mouth to explain, "In the gym."}

Gu Shaofan grunted a yes in return, then, in a rare moment, opened his mouth to explain, "In the gym."

_N/A
At the teacher's words, the students began moving about. Some went to get a basketball from the basket, while others waited for someone to come team up with them. Most of the children found their friends, having a tacit understanding with one another. Then, after a short while, pair after pair began practicing. Ye Cheng was about to walk over to Gu Shaofan, but Tao Lu pulled him back quietly.

N/A

_{As a result, with his heart overflowing with a river of sympathy, Ye Cheng declared, "You know what? Forget it! You two can team up on your own, so I'm going to join Gu Shaofan."}
Tao Lu said 'OK' so many times that it would make a person believe he was speaking English.

As a result, with his heart overflowing with a river of sympathy, Ye Cheng declared, "You know what? Forget it! You two can team up on your own, so I'm going to join Gu Shaofan."

In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."

_{Hearing this, Ye Cheng unexpectedly flashed a grin. It was exactly as he had thought. Gu Shaofan wasn't hard to get along with. So as classmates and friends, there was potential for them to have a great relationship.}The left-hanging Ye Cheng scratched his nose and thought to himself how strange that guy's character seemed to be. If he was hard to get close to, then why would he lend me his book without any complaints? And on top of that, why would he have helped me? But if he was easy to get close to, then why does he seem so passive?

_{Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.}

Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.

_{"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."}

"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"}N/A

With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"

_N/A"Good." The PE teacher clapped, making everyone turn their attention back on him. "Now go find a partner to practice with, and if anyone has a part they didn't understand, just come ask me."

N/A

_{Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with {him}?!"}Tao Lu scrunched up his lips and pointed. From the angle where they stood, only the top of Gu Shaofan's was visible, and it wasn't very clear either, but it was still enough for Ye Cheng to understand who Tao Lu was referring to. "Gu Shaofan! That guy's family are gangsters! So if you get close to him, there might come a day when he'll sell you! Freaking gangsters! Killers!"

Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with him?!"

_{"Hey, are you trying to show off how strong you are or something?" Holding the ball in one hand, Ye Cheng waved him back with the other. "Back it on up—back, back, back. Let's carry on with the practice, yeah?"}Ye Cheng then pondered for a bit before asking, "Has Gu Shaofan ever hit anyone?"

"Hey, are you trying to show off how strong you are or something?" Holding the ball in one hand, Ye Cheng waved him back with the other. "Back it on up—back, back, back. Let's carry on with the practice, yeah?"

_{"Um... I don't think so."}
This is so heartbreaking! Ye Cheng's worst fear was that no one would talk to him.

"Um... I don't think so."

_{Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with {him}?!"}In this aspect, it must be said that Ye Cheng was taught quite well by his parents. Most notably, Ye Cheng's mother, who, despite not having read a large number of books, had her own special understanding of life. She was intelligent and down to earth, clever, and knew how to enjoy life. Despite her only having nine years with her son, the greater part of Ye Cheng's character was influenced by her the most.

Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with him?!"

_{He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"}It was obviously only nothing but speculation, but in the young mind of a primary school-aged child, such rumours were enough of a reason for them to avoid another child. The way children thought was always direct, after all, and only capable of using the logic of simple substitution. So if the influence of adults is added to this, a situation like the one present is not at all impossible.

He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

It's easy to follow the crowd and believe the rumours, but doing the opposite does require a lot of courage.

As a result, with his heart overflowing with a river of sympathy, Ye Cheng declared, "You know what? Forget it! You two can team up on your own, so I'm going to join Gu Shaofan."

_{Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with {him}?!"}"Anybody found yapping away from now on will give me ten laps around the sports ground!" The loud bellow of the Physical Education teacher shocked the entire crowd into fright. So after this, both Ye Cheng and Tao Lu heroically sealed their lips.

Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with him?!"

As a result, with his heart overflowing with a river of sympathy, Ye Cheng declared, "You know what? Forget it! You two can team up on your own, so I'm going to join Gu Shaofan."

_{"Anybody found yapping away from now on will give me ten laps around the sports ground!" The loud bellow of the Physical Education teacher shocked the entire crowd into fright. So after this, both Ye Cheng and Tao Lu heroically sealed their lips.}
Tao Lu's face twisted into an expression that seemed to ask, "Are you insane?" and Liu Qin said nothing. After walking away, Ye Cheng looked back at Tao Lu and gave his thanks. In any case, Tao Lu was a nice guy.

_{{...why does he resemble a dog so much right now?}}Ye Cheng then pondered for a bit before asking, "Has Gu Shaofan ever hit anyone?"

...why does he resemble a dog so much right now?

_{Tao Lu's face twisted into an expression that seemed to ask, "Are you insane?" and Liu Qin said nothing. After walking away, Ye Cheng looked back at Tao Lu and gave his thanks. In any case, Tao Lu was a nice guy.}
"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"}

With a sympathetic look, Ye Cheng replied simply, "Wasn't there only one free seat in the entire class?" But after he did, he had a sudden realisation. "Did you guys freeze him out?"

_{"Let's go stand over there." Ye Cheng said this to Gu Shaofan, but the other boy paid him no mind and made his way directly to the tail end of the group with an expressionless face where he stuck out on his own.}"Good." The PE teacher clapped, making everyone turn their attention back on him. "Now go find a partner to practice with, and if anyone has a part they didn't understand, just come ask me."

"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."}
It was obviously only nothing but speculation, but in the young mind of a primary school-aged child, such rumours were enough of a reason for them to avoid another child. The way children thought was always direct, after all, and only capable of using the logic of simple substitution. So if the influence of adults is added to this, a situation like the one present is not at all impossible.

"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"}"How is that freezing out?" Tao Lu looked at Ye Cheng contemptuously. "Gangsters are bad guys, aren't they?"

He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

It's easy to follow the crowd and believe the rumours, but doing the opposite does require a lot of courage.

_{But this feeling was not the same for Gu Shaofan. He was not someone fond of playing around with others. But Ye Cheng could no longer stand the sight of it. In his imagination, he saw Gu Shao's mind currently filled with gloom and loneliness! He even imagined a voiceover playing as he looked at Gu Shaofan, saying: {This lonely boy, blah blah blah, something, something...}}He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

_{In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."}

In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."

_{Gu Shaofan only realised he had said those two words after saying them; it left him stunned for a moment, but he then quickly added, "I have a bit of a heavy hand."}
In this aspect, it must be said that Ye Cheng was taught quite well by his parents. Most notably, Ye Cheng's mother, who, despite not having read a large number of books, had her own special understanding of life. She was intelligent and down to earth, clever, and knew how to enjoy life. Despite her only having nine years with her son, the greater part of Ye Cheng's character was influenced by her the most.

Gu Shaofan only realised he had said those two words after saying them; it left him stunned for a moment, but he then quickly added, "I have a bit of a heavy hand."

So at the very least, Ye Cheng knew not to readily believe the false rumours circulating that harmed someone.

_{{If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.}}But this feeling was not the same for Gu Shaofan. He was not someone fond of playing around with others. But Ye Cheng could no longer stand the sight of it. In his imagination, he saw Gu Shao's mind currently filled with gloom and loneliness! He even imagined a voiceover playing as he looked at Gu Shaofan, saying: This lonely boy, blah blah blah, something, something...

If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.

_{At the teacher's words, the students began moving about. Some went to get a basketball from the basket, while others waited for someone to come team up with them. Most of the children found their friends, having a tacit understanding with one another. Then, after a short while, pair after pair began practicing. Ye Cheng was about to walk over to Gu Shaofan, but Tao Lu pulled him back quietly.}
The place where Gu Shaofan was standing was not far away, and Ye Cheng doing some warm-up stretches with such big movements was enough to give the other boy no choice but to pay attention to him. Seeing Gu Shaofan looking his way, Ye Cheng spread his feet apart slightly and readied himself to catch the ball. "Throw it here."

At the teacher's words, the students began moving about. Some went to get a basketball from the basket, while others waited for someone to come team up with them. Most of the children found their friends, having a tacit understanding with one another. Then, after a short while, pair after pair began practicing. Ye Cheng was about to walk over to Gu Shaofan, but Tao Lu pulled him back quietly.

_{In this aspect, it must be said that Ye Cheng was taught quite well by his parents. Most notably, Ye Cheng's mother, who, despite not having read a large number of books, had her own special understanding of life.}"In basketball, there are two commonly used types of passes. This one is called the chest pass." The teacher then held the ball with both hands to his chest, explaining the pass as he moved. "Stand with both your feet apart, lift your heads, and spread all your fingers on the ball."

This is so heartbreaking! Ye Cheng's worst fear was that no one would talk to him.

_{It was called basketball, but it was just lectures about dribbling. Dribbling while running and three-step layups were considered very high-level skills. After all, no one was expecting to train a bunch of kids green behind the ears like elite athletes.}
Gu Shaofan did not move, however. His expression was still unchanged, except for his brows, which revealed a faint wrinkle. It was not that he was unhappy at being disturbed, but more of him honestly having no idea what was currently happening.

_{Gu Shaofan nodded, but Ye Cheng was standing a little too far and had not used enough strength. So when the ball was tossed, it went straight for Gu Shaofan's crotch, and when he bent in an attempt to catch it, he missed, allowing the ball to bounce merrily as it went to the place behind them.}
This act of his made Ye Cheng suddenly feel embarrassed, so after scratching his chin, he walked right over to take the ball from Gu Shaofan's hands and then walked right back to his original place. "I'll pass it." Ye Cheng then thought back to the main points of the movement given by the teacher and felt a bit nervous for some reason.

_{Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.}"Hey, are you trying to show off how strong you are or something?" Holding the ball in one hand, Ye Cheng waved him back with the other. "Back it on up—back, back, back. Let's carry on with the practice, yeah?"

Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.

_{In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."}
He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."

He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

_{Ye Cheng didn't spread out; his gaze instead focused on the person standing somewhat apart from the other groups in the distance, Gu Shaofan. In that boy's hand was a basketball, and there was obviously no one who wanted to team up with him.}Ye Cheng then pondered for a bit before asking, "Has Gu Shaofan ever hit anyone?"

_{"Hey, are you trying to show off how strong you are or something?" Holding the ball in one hand, Ye Cheng waved him back with the other. "Back it on up—back, back, back. Let's carry on with the practice, yeah?"}
Ye Cheng was embarrassed right then, but Gu Shaofan jogged quickly to retrieve the basketball.

As a result, with his heart overflowing with a river of sympathy, Ye Cheng declared, "You know what? Forget it! You two can team up on your own, so I'm going to join Gu Shaofan."

_{He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"}Gu Shaofan only realised he had said those two words after saying them; it left him stunned for a moment, but he then quickly added, "I have a bit of a heavy hand."

He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

_{It was obviously only nothing but speculation, but in the young mind of a primary school-aged child, such rumours were enough of a reason for them to avoid another child. The way children thought was always direct, after all, and only capable of using the logic of simple substitution. So if the influence of adults is added to this, a situation like the one present is not at all impossible.}In response to him, Ye Cheng frowned, but Tao Lu didn't pay attention to the look on his face to bounce the ball a couple of times before saying, "Spread out, and we'll get started."

_{The left-hanging Ye Cheng scratched his nose and thought to himself how strange that guy's character seemed to be. If he was hard to get close to, then why would he lend me his book without any complaints? And on top of that, why would he have helped me? But if he was easy to get close to, then why does he seem so passive?}

Gu Shaofan grunted a yes in return, then, in a rare moment, opened his mouth to explain, "In the gym."

_{古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).}It was obviously only nothing but speculation, but in the young mind of a primary school-aged child, such rumours were enough of a reason for them to avoid another child. The way children thought was always direct, after all, and only capable of using the logic of simple substitution. So if the influence of adults is added to this, a situation like the one present is not at all impossible.

古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).

_{古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).}
...why does he resemble a dog so much right now?

古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).

"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{But Tao Lu only clicked his tongue in response before continuing, "You don't believe me, but I'm pretty sure the entire school knows about it. I'm telling you, you will never, ever see his dad come pick him up.}In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"

_{"Are you okay?" This was also the first time he heard Gu Shaofan speak in such a voice. The comparison this one had to that was as far apart as night and day; even the sense of desolation within it felt a bit more weighted. "I'm sorry."}
"Thud!"

"Are you okay?" This was also the first time he heard Gu Shaofan speak in such a voice. The comparison this one had to that was as far apart as night and day; even the sense of desolation within it felt a bit more weighted. "I'm sorry."

_{Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."}It was as though a message was being carried from one to the other, as that ball made its journey to and fro without end.

Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."

_{Sending a wink over to Tao Lu, he indicated he was about to pass the ball. "The receiver should also hold themselves in this position." As his voice fell, the ball was thrown towards Tao Lu with force in the blink of an eye before landing firmly in Tao Lu's waiting hands.}
The only thing Ye Cheng could feel in his chest was pain. That pass was so strong that he couldn't catch the ball with just his hands, so he had to hug the ball to his chest. Ye Cheng smiled with a grimace, the little dimple on the left side of his cheek twitching. "Are you trying to pass the ball to me, or are you trying to use it to crush me?"

_{"Has he ever tried to blackmail anyone?"}In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"

"Has he ever tried to blackmail anyone?"

_{In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"}Hearing this, Ye Cheng unexpectedly flashed a grin. It was exactly as he had thought. Gu Shaofan wasn't hard to get along with. So as classmates and friends, there was potential for them to have a great relationship.

In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"

_{But Tao Lu only clicked his tongue in response before continuing, "You don't believe me, but I'm pretty sure the entire school knows about it. I'm telling you, you will never, ever see his dad come pick him up.}
He had only said that sentence as a joke, so he never expected Gu Shaofan to stride over with his lips pursed and his little kid forehead creased into prominent folds. At such a sight, Ye Cheng blinked his eyes, finding such a scene quite amusing.

_{{Oh my god! So cool!}}He glanced at Gu Shaofan again, unable to help the feeling that the other boy's mind had wandered off a bit. "I'm seriously going to pass it, okay?"

Oh my god! So cool!

_{So at the very least, Ye Cheng knew not to readily believe the false rumours circulating that harmed someone.}

So at the very least, Ye Cheng knew not to readily believe the false rumours circulating that harmed someone.

_{"Huh?" Ye Cheng was confused. {What are you talking about? 'Him' who? And what's wrong with teaming up?}}

"Huh?" Ye Cheng was confused. What are you talking about? 'Him' who? And what's wrong with teaming up?

_{The left-hanging Ye Cheng scratched his nose and thought to himself how strange that guy's character seemed to be. {If he was hard to get close to, then why would he lend me his book without any complaints? And on top of that, why would he have helped me? But if he was easy to get close to, then why does he seem so passive?}}"Hey, didn't I tell you? Gangsters are really, really scary. My mom and dad both warned me about them."

_{If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.}
Oh my god! So cool!

If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.

_{In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.}

In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.

_{The fourth period soon arrived, and the next class scheduled was Physical Education. Everyone else had long put away their things and slowly made their way to the playground. But Ye Cheng noticed Gu Shaofan was putting away his things in a manner that was neither slow nor in a rush and naturally urged the other, "Come on, let's go."}He lifted the ball so all the students could see his hands more clearly, then returned the ball to its original position over his chest. "When you pass the ball, take a step forward, rotate your fingers downwards a bit, and push upwards; then, as you throw, release your fingers as you push up and out."

_{As a result, with his heart overflowing with a river of sympathy, Ye Cheng declared, "You know what? Forget it! You two can team up on your own, so I'm going to join Gu Shaofan."}He had only said that sentence as a joke, so he never expected Gu Shaofan to stride over with his lips pursed and his little kid forehead creased into prominent folds. At such a sight, Ye Cheng blinked his eyes, finding such a scene quite amusing.

As a result, with his heart overflowing with a river of sympathy, Ye Cheng declared, "You know what? Forget it! You two can team up on your own, so I'm going to join Gu Shaofan."

_{Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with him?!"}
"Are you okay?" This was also the first time he heard Gu Shaofan speak in such a voice. The comparison this one had to that was as far apart as night and day; even the sense of desolation within it felt a bit more weighted. "I'm sorry."

Just as he was standing there in hesitation, Ye Cheng was grabbed by Tao Lu and pulled into his spot in the line before the other boy began scolding. "Why would you team up with him?!"

_{"Good." The PE teacher clapped, making everyone turn their attention back on him. "Now go find a partner to practice with, and if anyone has a part they didn't understand, just come ask me."}
Gu Shaofan only realised he had said those two words after saying them; it left him stunned for a moment, but he then quickly added, "I have a bit of a heavy hand."

"Good." The PE teacher clapped, making everyone turn their attention back on him. "Now go find a partner to practice with, and if anyone has a part they didn't understand, just come ask me."

_{{If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.}}Looking at the watch on his wrist, Ye Cheng saw that there were only two minutes left before the next class began, so he couldn't help but urge Gu Shaofan once more, "We gotta go! The class is starting!"

If a friendly kid like Tao Lu has such an averse attitude towards Gu Shaofan, then the others' attitude must be considerably worse.

_{That sentence of his had no lead-out, but Ye Cheng was still able to immediately understand it. Sucking his teeth for a good while, Ye Cheng then said in awe, "Geez, no wonder my dad wanted to squeeze me into this place. It even has a gymnasium! What kind of five-star treatment is this?!"}
Hearing this, Ye Cheng unexpectedly flashed a grin. It was exactly as he had thought. Gu Shaofan wasn't hard to get along with. So as classmates and friends, there was potential for them to have a great relationship.

That sentence of his had no lead-out, but Ye Cheng was still able to immediately understand it. Sucking his teeth for a good while, Ye Cheng then said in awe, "Geez, no wonder my dad wanted to squeeze me into this place. It even has a gymnasium! What kind of five-star treatment is this?!"

In an instant, a mocking smirk spread on Ye Cheng's face as he stared at Tao Lu and replied, "Oh, I get it. You've been watching too much Young and Dangerous, haven't you?"

_{But this feeling was not the same for Gu Shaofan. He was not someone fond of playing around with others. But Ye Cheng could no longer stand the sight of it. In his imagination, he saw Gu Shao's mind currently filled with gloom and loneliness! He even imagined a voiceover playing as he looked at Gu Shaofan, saying: {This lonely boy, blah blah blah, something, something...}}"In basketball, there are two commonly used types of passes. This one is called the chest pass." The teacher then held the ball with both hands to his chest, explaining the pass as he moved. "Stand with both your feet apart, lift your heads, and spread all your fingers on the ball."

_{Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."}
In the gymnasium, the continuous sound of thudding balls could be heard. Gu Shaofan and Ye Cheng both practiced quite seriously, with the ball flying between them.

Tao Lu shook his head. "Not that I've heard."

...why does he resemble a dog so much right now?

_{{Oh my god! So cool!}}"Hey, are you trying to show off how strong you are or something?" Holding the ball in one hand, Ye Cheng waved him back with the other. "Back it on up—back, back, back. Let's carry on with the practice, yeah?"

Oh my god! So cool!

_{Oh my god! So cool!}
It was as though a message was being carried from one to the other, as that ball made its journey to and fro without end.

Oh my god! So cool!

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

^1. 古惑仔 is a long-@ss manhua series started in the 90s called 古惑仔Teddyboy" (over 2000 chapters long); turned 90s Hong Kong gangster movie series (Young and Dangerous).

Childhood Chronicles: C02

02: Deskmate

Author's Note:

Notes:

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